Mexia Leads the Way for FC Arizona
Cesar Mexia is a player that you can build a team around. And that is exactly what FC Arizona has done over the past three years. They have built around the playmaker and goalscorer from Obregón, Sonora, Mexico. Amd Mexia has responded, leading FC Arizona in goals each and every season.
He’s already off to a hot start in 2019 with eight goals and numerous games remaining.
“I consider myself a very offensive-minded player, always trying to create chances either for myself or my teammates,” Mexia commented. “Scoring has always been in my DNA. A lot of times I find myself in the right place at the right time.”
The striker spent time at Paradise Valley College before playing professional soccer in Mexico for Dorados Sinaloa. Those opportunities helped him prepare for the NPSL and the Founders Cup.
“To play in Mexico was a big accomplishment for me after getting signed after just one year of college,” Mexia added. “Those three years helped me elevate my game to new levels after being surrounded by veterans. It was definitely the most important years in my career.”
Playing in Mexico allowed Mexia to develop his game and that showed in an international friendly with Chivas Reserves back in March. A great product on the field was seen by over 2,850 fans and supporters that night and yes, Mexia scored a goal in that match too.
“The game against Chivas was huge for both the fans and the club,” Mexia remarked. “Exposing FC Arizona against a team like that shows you the kind of talent there is on this team. It also puts our name and the NPSL out there for people to know more about it.”
Mexia is now an NPSL veteran that is leading his teammates to victory in a very competitive West Region. So far the team is getting everything right.
“This has been a special season as a group being undefeated in league play,” Mexia continued. “We are motivated to take this team deep into the playoffs and further than it has ever gone both in the league and Founders Cup.”
FC Arizona Owner Scott Taylor appreciates what Mexia brings to the pitch.
“I continued to be impressed with Cesar,” Taylor noted. “He is such a big part of the team, leading the guys, setting the example, and scoring goals. Guys like Cesar and Jose Rodriguez, Aaron Mendez, Jaime Olabarria, Christopher Valentin, and David Alton deserve a lot of credit. They have been with us since the beginning and still continue to deliver a fun product to watch for the NPSL and our fans. I’m really grateful for them.”
Thanks to FC Arizona’s success on and off the field, the club has grown in leaps and bounds.
“FC Arizona has grown a lot these past three years,” Mexia said. “ Scott Taylor has put a lot of effort to make this a successful club. Having this team qualify for playoffs every year is not easy, especially in the conference we play in.”
And the club hasn’t stopped there. It recently announced plans for a stadium and a robust youth program.
“That stadium is definitely going to set the standard in the NPSL,” Mexia said. “Building that along with having a youth club will create a lot of opportunities for the club and the community. It’s exciting times for our fans.”
Fans should be excited about this team’s potential. Mexia certainly is.
“There’s a lot of players contributing to this team this year,” Mexia concluded. “We have a few veterans like Shannon Cole who are stepping up and providing the veteran presence needed in the locker room. We all pull in the same direction and that’s what makes this team special.”
This special squad has certainly gotten the job done in league play, outscoring opponents 21-9 for a +12 goal differential. And with a player like Cesar Mexia, the goals will continue to flow.
Add in a talented supporting cast and it’s no wonder that FC Arizona is among the favorites for a national title in 2019.
Photo Credit: Ryan Johnson, Arianna Grainey, and FC Arizona
